How We Work With Contractors: A Seamless Approach to Home Renovations & New-Builds
Whether you're planning a full home renovation or building your dream custom home from the ground up, one thing is clear: it takes a village. From architects and general contractors to interior designers and specialty trades, the success of your project depends on a well-coordinated team that shares a unified vision. And if you’re thinking of working with a general contractor before hiring a designer, we’d love to share why starting with your interior designer can save time, money and stress — while ensuring your home turns out exactly how you envisioned it.
At Basil & Tate, we specialize in creating elevated, livable interiors across Denver area homes, with a particular focus on neutral color palettes, organic design, and transitional spaces that stand the test of time. We also partner directly with general contractors throughout your home renovation or new build project, so you don’t have to serve as the go-between. We do the heavy lifting, so you can enjoy the process!
We’ll walk you through exactly how we work with contractors, what you can expect from our collaborative process, and why bringing in an experienced interior designer early makes all the difference.
Start With Design—Not Construction
We get it — when you're ready to renovate or build, it's tempting to call a contractor right away. But here’s the truth: a contractor needs a plan before they can give you an accurate timeline or budget. That’s where we come in.
Hiring a designer first allows us to shape your design vision, define the scope of work, and make all the key selections that influence the construction process — from cabinetry and lighting layouts to plumbing placement and flooring transitions.
When you work with Basil & Tate before involving a contractor, we:
Help clarify your vision and lifestyle needs
Translate that vision into detailed plans, with measurements and layouts
Create a design roadmap your contractor can follow
Prevent mid-project changes or mistakes that cost you time and money
This approach is especially important for homeowners in the South Denver suburbs, where home renovation and custom home projects often require permits, architectural drawings, and complex coordination with multiple trades. We serve as your design advocate and your contractor’s point person — bridging the gap so you don’t have to.
Our Step-by-Step Process with Contractors
Step 1: The Design Experience
Our process begins with a comprehensive design phase. After our initial discovery call, we meet to learn more about your lifestyle, goals and preferences. We’ll visit your site, take detailed measurements, and start building a vision for your home using floor plans, design boards and material samples — plus 3D renderings as needed.
Once your design is approved, we present a comprehensive design presentation that includes:
Floor plans and measurements
Material and finish selections
Fixture and furniture sourcing
Paint and color palette recommendations
3D renderings, if applicable
At this point, your design is ready for your general contractor to bring to life.
Step 2: Onboarding Your Contractor
Whether you already have a trusted contractor or need a referral from our vetted local network, we begin by sharing your design documents and reviewing the scope with them.
As your interior designer, we:
Meet with your contractor to walk through plans
Discuss the design intent and vision
Coordinate the construction schedule
Answer questions and solve design-related challenges before they become problems
We’re not just handing over drawings — we’re actively collaborating with your contractor to ensure every detail is executed as intended.
Step 3: Communication & Site Visits
One of the most stressful parts of a renovation or new build is feeling like you have to constantly check in, follow up, or be on site to make sure everything’s going according to plan. That’s where we step in.
As your designer, we handle:
Regular site visits and walkthroughs with the contractor
Reviewing work as it’s completed
Problem-solving on site with trades
Ensuring materials arrive on time and are installed correctly
Providing on-the-spot decisions if anything changes
Think of us as your eyes and ears on site. Our clients love that they don’t have to double-check every decision or answer dozens of questions each week — that’s what we’re here for.
Why It Works So Well
When designers and contractors work together from the very beginning, your home benefits from:
✔️ Fewer Mistakes and Delays
Contractors don’t have to guess what tile or hardware to install — every detail is clearly outlined. This prevents miscommunication and rework.
✔️ Clearer Budgeting
Because we plan every element of the design upfront, your contractor can price your project more accurately. That means fewer surprises down the line.
✔️ A Stronger End Result
We make sure that your fixtures, finishes and furnishings are all installed exactly as envisioned — right down to the grout line or art lighting placement.
✔️ Less Stress for You
Instead of juggling emails, phone calls, and site visits, you get to be in the loop without being in the weeds. Our team handles the coordination, so you can enjoy the transformation.
We’re Here to Make This Easy for You
Let’s face it — renovations and new builds can be overwhelming. There are a hundred decisions to make and just as many ways for a project to go off track. That’s why working with an interior designer who coordinates directly with your contractor is one of the smartest investments you can make.
We’re proud to offer design services that take the pressure off of you while delivering personalized, timeless results. From transitional design to full-service project management, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re planning a renovation or building a Denver custom home, we’d love to help bring your vision to life with clarity, confidence and ease.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
If you're dreaming of an updated kitchen, a whole-home refresh, or building your forever home in the south Denver suburbs, let’s connect today. We’ll walk you through our process, learn more about your goals, and answer any questions about working with your contractor — or ours. Book your complimentary 15-minute discovery call at basilandtate.com/contact, and let’s work together to make your home as beautiful as it is livable.
Welcome to Basil & Tate— a full-service residential interior design studio serving Denver, Colorado & beyond, curating bespoke interiors that seamlessly blend comfort, nature and timeless design. We describe our design aesthetic as earthy, organic, and elevated. If you like a combination of classic and modern design, mixed with soft neutral colors and natural textures, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re looking for an interior designer to save you time on your custom home renovation or to help bring your luxury new-build vision to life, the interior design experts at Basil & Tate will be with you every step of the way to deliver a turn-key, white-glove design experience.
Looking for interior design services within the Denver, Colorado area? Let's get in touch.
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